Garmin has been in the navigation business for a while, and they’ve been a go-to solution for GPS products. However, the next time you buy a new Mercedes-Benz, it could come with an infotainment system with Garmin navigation component built right in, although there’s no word on when exactly Mercedes-Benz will begin putting Garmin units in their new cars. However, it’s said that the car maker will be slowly ramping up Garmin integration over the next four years.

Garmin says that the built-in navigation for these new Mercedes-Benz models will not only display the usual navigation stuff, but drivers will also have access to other navigation information, like when your next turn is, which will show up on a second display positioned behind the steering wheel, so that drivers can easily glance at it.

The infotainment systems will come with navigation functions that can be controlled via voice while driving, creating a safe, hands-free environment. Plus, Garmin will include technology that will provide GPS information for Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS), which can assist drivers in dangerous road conditions.

The BarkLimiter series is first on the list, and it’s pretty easy to figure out what these collars do based on the name alone. The BarkLimiter series is obviously meant to keep your dog from barking, using “bark identification technology” and an accelerometer to tell the difference between your dog’s bark and other noises. Once your dog starts barking, the collar will being delivering “correction,” starting a low level and increasing as long as the dog keeps barking. These collars also come equipped with what’s being called a Bark Odometer, which you can use to measure how many times your dog barks when you aren’t around. There will be two variants of the BarkLimiter offered: the standard BarkLimiter, which comes with a non-rechargeable 10-month battery, and the BarkLimiter Deluxe, which uses a rechargeable three-month battery.

Next we come to the Delta series. The collar to focus on in this series is the Delta Sport, which serves as a training collar and a bark collar rolled into one. It includes the same features as the BarkLimiter, has a range of three-quarters of a mile, and even comes packed with a handheld LCD display. Through this LCD display, users can set up to five different training profiles while controlling as many as three different collars at once. The idea is to use the Delta Sport to make training easier while also using it to correct behavior you don’t approve of. For those who don’t need all of the bells and whistles, Garmin is also offering a standard Delta, which is missing the BarkLimiter features and only has a half-mile range and three training profiles.

The BarkLimiter and BarkLimiter Deluxe will cost $79.99 and $99.99 respectively, while potential owners will have to shell out $199.99 for the Delta and $249.99 for the Delta Sport. Make no mistake, we’re working with some serious collars here, especially in the case of the Delta series. All four collars will be available at some point during Q1 2013, though Garmin hasn’t set specific dates yet.

As StreetPilot Onboard and NAVIGON team up with Glypse, you’ll have a brand new set of navigation features. This update brings on the Glympse icon to your standard toolbar and allows you to instantly share you location with a select number of friends for either a short or a long period of time. Recipients of the messages you send with Glympse shows a link to a Glympse tracking map complete with location, arrival time, and speed (where applicable.)

In a rather similar sort of integration, Foursquare now appears in the two Garamin apps for check-ins galore. WIth just a click or two you’ll be linking in to your Foursquare account and checking into venues and making new locations on the fly – you’ll also get personalized POI suggestions based on your check-ins left and right.

With Apple devices you’ll be rolling out with iCloud support on the fly as well. You’ll be able to get your favorite destinations across multiple iOS devices with sync-tastic accuracy. And boy, are you lucky: starting today and lasting until the 7th of January, 2013. These apps provide a premium experience (with a one-time cost, forever, no subscription cost) for the following cash discounts:

StreetPilot Onboard iPhone USA: $39.99 instead of $49.99
StreetPilot Onboard iPhone North America: $44.99 instead of $59.99
NAVIGON iOS USA: $39.99 instead of $49.99
NAVIGON iOS North America: $44.99 instead of $59.99
NAVIGON iOS MyRegion: $22.99 instead of $29.99
NAVIGON Android USA: $39.95 instead of $49.95
NAVIGON Android North America: $44.95 instead of $59.95

The deal uses the same Nokia Transit and Pedestrian Content (TaP) as has been so well received on previous Nokia devices, but brings it to iOS and Android as a local app for the first time. There’s data on walkways, bridges, tunnels, crossings, passages, and stairs, as well as an understanding that pedestrians can cross over squares, parks, and other open spaces rather than being limited to regular sidewalks.

As for mass transit support, there’s guidance for railways, tram and bus lines, stops, stations, and access points. In short, everything Apple is missing from its first-gen iOS 6 Maps app, which relies on third-party provisions for public transportation and pedestrian guidance.

Pricing for the in-app Urban Guidance purchases is $3.99 on Android and iOS, with the new packs available now. The financial terms of Nokia’s deal with Garmin have not been revealed.

Meanwhile, there’s also a Last Mile function which will remember the location of a parked car and help a driver return to it later on, useful if you’re easily confused by extensive parking lots. StreetPilot Onboard also adds Google Maps Street View data, which was previously accessible on the iPhone and iPad via Google Maps but, as of iOS 6, is no longer available.

However, some of the selling points Garmin’s software had previously – namely turn-by-turn navigation – now runs the risk of being eclipsed by Maps’ native guidance abilities, also freshly added in iOS 6. It’s also worth noting that the Urban Guidance system is a paid add-on through in-app purchase – priced at $2.99 – though it does include transit line information and integrate with Apple’s transit system within Maps.

Garmin is unlikely to be the only company keen to occupy the space vacated by Google Maps, though whether the company’s $44.99 price tag for Garmin StreetPilot Onboard USA or $39.99 for Navigon will be forced down in the process remains to be seen. Meanwhile, web-based alternatives are already available, such as Nokia Maps, which also include turn-by-turn guidance, public transportation, traffic monitoring, and more.

[via The Verge]

It would seem that Garmin’s “Urban Guidance” system is the main star of these updates. After these updates hit, the app will begin considering various public transportation routes – including water taxis – when trying to plot the most efficient pedestrian route. If public transportation is suggested as part of your route, the app can guide you to where you need to be on foot, and you can even look up schedules and stops to know precisely where you need to hop on and off. To make things easier, the update will also allow for color-coded public transportation routes, matching the transportation lines in your city – something that will undoubtedly be appreciated by tourists.

Urban Guidance will be coming to StreetPilot Onboard for iPhone and NAVIGON for iPhone and Android. You won’t be getting it for free, however, as it will cost $4.99 as an in-app purchase. Those who act quick after the update hits can get the feature on the cheap though, with Garmin bringing the price down to $2.99 for its first two weeks of availability.

Next up we have Garmin’s “Last Mile Navigation” feature, which gives users a “streamlined navigation experience when continuing by foot after parking the car.” When you’re getting close to your destination, the feature will suggest nearby parking lots and structures for you to park in. After you’ve picked one and parked your car, the app will switch to pedestrian navigation mode, saving the location of your car so you can easily find it once you’re ready to leave again. Android users should already be familiar with this feature, as it’s currently available in their version of NAVIGON. It’ll be coming to NAVIGON for iPhone with this update, but sadly it will be giving StreetPilot Onboard a pass for the time being.

Finally, we come to the integration of Google Street View and Panorama View 3D, which are both being included to give users a better understanding of their surroundings. Features like these will obviously come in handy when visiting an unfamiliar face, as Google Street View can show you what the area surrounding your destination looks like. Both of these features are already available in NAVIGON for Android and iPhone, and will be added to StreetPilot Onboard once these updates land. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay extra for Panorama View 3D, which Garmin is charging $9.99 for.

We don’t have a solid release date for these updates yet. In its announcement, Garmin only said that they would be coming in fall 2012, so they should be arriving relatively soon. Keep it tuned here to SlashGear and we’ll have more information for you once Garmin releases it.

On the same day that the NPD says that good tech service is the reason why Apple has so many repeat customers, a supposed Apple Genius training manual leaks, giving us a rare look at how Apple trains its employees. The T-Mobile Galaxy S II has been updated with support for NFC and Isis, and T-Mobile has some big plans for NFC. Speaking of T-Mobile, it looks like the company has a new plan to sell against the next iPhone when it (hopefully) launches next month. MetroPCS is offering a new phone to go along with its 4G LTE push, and Samsung has released a new Galaxy S III app aimed at making things easier for those who use their phone while driving.

The Nexus 7 has snuck onto the Google homepage, and the Google Election Hub is up and running today, offering coverage from the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. Nokia users worldwide were treated to Nokia Belle Refresh today, and it appears that Motorola and Apple are close to striking a licensing deal in Germany. It seems that the iPhone 5 won’t be getting NFC capabilities as originally rumored, Steve Perlman actually isn’t staying on as CEO of OnLive following the asset acquisition by a silent investor, and Google has a new patent for an object recognition system that could be huge. Hopefully you’re ready to play the role of homeowner, because in Skyrim‘s new DLC, you’ll be doing just that.

The Samsung Galaxy S III is getting a handful of new color variations – we’re partial to the grey, to be honest – while the company also gave us some more details about its incoming Series 5 all-in-one PC. Curiosity has beamed back some new images of Mars, which is always exciting, and Garmin detailed its new Forerunner 10 smart watch with GPS. Radio Shack’s wireless rates for no contract phone plans leaked today, and same-day delivery service Shutl has received a significant investment from the folks at UPS.

Finally tonight, we have a review of the Acer Aspire V5 from Cory Gunther for you to check out. Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday evening everyone!

With the Forerunner 10, you’ll be able to select between three lovely wristband colors, and you’ll be able to work with the unit with the press of a single button. You’ll be able to customize your settings if you wish, but just tapping once and heading out the door is an option you’ll have right out of the box. Between runs, users are able to see previous runs, check Auto Pause and Auto Lap settings and change them up, and set an alarm.

Users can also edit their personal profile on the watch, with settings of all kinds available to help you show pace, distance, calories, and more displayed when you want them where you want them. While it is time and distance that you’ll be getting first and foremost here with the Forerunner 10, you’ll also be able to work with more advanced functions like Virtual Pacer. With Virtual Pacer, you’ll be able to compare your current pace with a target pace – you’ve also got a run/walk feature for those of you who include slower paces here and there along your daily run.

This Garmin running watch is the lightest made by the manufacturer and provides users with a water-resistant gadget up to 50m. This watch lasts up to 5 hours in “training mode” and up to five weeks in “power-save mode”, and is made to be able to work as a day-to-day timepiece as much as it is made to work for runs alone. This device connects with GarminConnect.com for uploading and saving previous run information, and sharing with friends and family is of course an option as well.

Your Forerunner 10 connects to your PC with a USB cord and is able to charge up at the same time as you’re uploading information to your computer and eventually to the web. This device will be popping up for a suggested retail price of $129.99 and is part of Garmin’s ever-growing fitness segment which, as they say, “focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ lives and promote healthy and active lifestyles.” This watch will be available “this fall” at your local running shop.

[via Garmin]

The Alpha 100 GPS tracking system can update the dog’s location as often as every 2.5 seconds. Hunters or trainers with multiple dogs can track as many as 20 animals with a single handheld from up to 9 miles away, depending on the terrain. The handheld device has a three-inch touchscreen that works while the user is wearing gloves and is designed to be easily viewable in direct sunlight.

The handheld device is also capable of sending preselected messages between devices in the field such as “help,” “come here,” or “go on without me.” The handheld can also give an audible or vibrating alert when a dog trees whatever you are hunting or goes on point. The handheld device is loaded with 100k topographical maps and the device works with other maps, including BirdsEye Satellite Imagery.

The Alpha 100 training features have to reconfigurable buttons that allows the user to set multiple combinations and levels of correction between continuous, momentary, or tone. The training method is described as “stimulation” which seems to be of the shock variety like some shock collars I’ve seen before. The handheld device is powered by a rechargeable battery good for up to 20 hours per charge and is waterproof to IPX-7 standards. The dog collar device is good for 24 hours of use per charge with a 2.5-second update rate. Additional collars can be purchased for $299.99 starting this month.

The receiver is called the Garmin GLO Portable GPS and GLONASS Receiver. The device is a wireless GPS receiver capable of receiving signals from the US GPS network or the Russian GLONASS satellite network. The device can connect wirelessly to Apple or Android devices using Bluetooth. It promises 12 hours of use on a single charge and can update positional information 10 times per second.

Garmin does point out that the update rate could be limited by your host device. The GLO is also available in an aviation package, including a mount, power cable, and a six-month trial of Garmin pilot. The device will launch in August at an MSRP of $99 for the standard version with the aviation package retailing for $129.

The watch provides a navigation arrow that will help steer users to destination points, and there’s a TracBack function that will help the owner retrace their steps as well. In combination with a desktop application, users can also plan certain routes and trips and share them out to friends and families in the process.

In terms of connectivity, the fenix comes equipped with Bluetooth plus altimeter, barometer, and compass sensors. The altimeter will provide elevation data, the barometer may be used to see any upcoming changes in the weather, and the compass naturally helps the user with their bearing. The fenix can also auto-calibrate using the built in GPS chip, and automatically set the time by determining the location of the watch.

Garmin has made sure the watch is rugged and durable too. There’s a “high-strength housing” that will survive shocks and bumps, plus a glass front that will resist scratches. The LCD display is LED backlit, with the watch held together by polyurethane wristbands. Garmin says the watch should be capable of 50 hours of battery life when actively using GPS, and its also waterproof up to 50 meters. The fenix should be on sale sometime this Fall, and cost around $399.99.

Exactly what the nuvi 2598FL will do with all that connectivity isn’t specified, since Garmin has cruelly insisted on confidentiality on the user manual. However, based on previous PNDs it’s not hard to speculate: the Bluetooth is most likely there for hands-free calling with a cellphone, while the 3G connection will presumably take advantage of Garmin’s nüLink! feature.

nüLink!, a riot of umlaut and exclamation point, offers Google Local Search with points-of-interest, live traffic information and fuel pricing, weather and flight news, a currency converter, and White Pages records. There’s also the ability to remotely program the PND from your computer, with a “Send to GPS” feature.

Although internet-connected PNDs have been found elsewhere for some time, the relatively small amounts of data most use has seen them often make do with GPRS connections rather than 3G. It’s not clear whether Garmin will push the envelope with the 2598FL’s faster radio, though we’d be very keen to see what Android, Google Maps, and Google Now might achieve in a PND form-factor.

[via GPSTracklog]

The watch has been designed to be as small as possible while still providing the necessary information, minimizing drag and resistance in the water. The Swim automatically knows what strokes the swimmer is using and tracks them accordingly, as well as monitoring variables such as distance and pace. Swimmers can also start timed sets, and everything is controlled via six buttons on the watch.

As for battery life, Garmin say it should be good for up to one year. It’s user replaceable too, so the watch doesn’t need to be sent away to have the battery replaced. The Garmin Swim is available starting from today, and will cost $149.99.

Sure, the Approach S3 functions as a perfectly ordinary timepiece when you’re off the green, featuring a modern and rugged design, but you really want it for the golfing features. It has data on over 27,000 golf courses. Not only that, Garmin promise regular updates to fine tune the accuracy of the course data, as well as adding new courses along the way.

Features of the watch include manual pin positioning, distances to layup points, and a digital scorecard. Thanks to the GPS chip in the watch, plus all the included course data, you’ll be able to see the exact distance in yards between you and the hole, so you can better judge what club to use and how hard to swing.

Aspiring golfers will be able to pick up the watch starting this month, at a price of $349.99. The Approach S3 will be available in white with a red trim, and black with a gray trim.

Also new is their extremely detailed 3D rendered building view. Taking two fingers and expanding them across the screen will zoom you in far enough to take advantage of it. It is also possible to pan 360 degrees around the 3D buildings by touching the screen simultaneously with two fingers, and turning them at the same time. The same features are included in Google Maps, but again – the Garmin doesn’t need the internet to render a single thing.

Like other LMT models, the 3590 is Bluetooth hands-free calling compatible, and compatible with their Smartphone Link application for Android. This isn’t new, but Smartphone Link gives users access to Garmin Live Services. This can help display live traffic, the weather, SMS messages, fuel prices, and even alert you when you’re approaching a red-light (Europe only).

Guidance 3.0 uses nearly 60,000 junction views in the U.S. and Canada to show photographic details of signs and lanes, while the the nuvi 3590LMT pairs that with subscription-free Digital 3D Traffic information pumping out updates as to condition of the road ahead as often as every 30s. 3D landmarks, Bird’s Eye views at junctions and boosted search speed are also included.

There’s also Bluetooth on the nuvi 3490LMT and above, for hands-free phone use, and those higher-end models also have voice-activated navigation.

As for Smartphone Link, that pairs on-PND information services, like weather and speed cameras, with your smartphone, using a Bluetooth connection. The app also helps you find your way from your parking spot to your final destination, and then find your car again.

The Garmin nuvi 3500 series will go on sale in February, priced from $329.99. The Smartphone Link app is a free download, with live weather information and myGarmin messaging also free to use; however Live Traffic ($19.99 per year), photoLive traffic cameras ($9.99 per year), Fuel Prices ($9.99 per year) and Advanced Weather ($4.99 per year) are all premium services. It works with all Bluetooth enabled 2012 Garmin PNDs, the nüvi 2475LT, 2495LMT, 2595LMT, 3490LMT and the 3590LMT.

That’s useful for frequent travelers, who can avoid extortionate roaming costs by downloading the maps for their upcoming destinations to the iPhone’s local storage rather than accessing it over a data connection while there. By splitting the core app and the navigation data, Garmin has also streamlined the update process: rather than everything being downloaded each time a new version is pushed out, only the app changes need be delivered.

Meanwhile, there’s a new UI with animated menus and new gesture support, and Garmin has sensibly split the settings options away from the main functionality of the app to keep things easier to use while on the move. 3D map navigation has been simplified too.

“The new Settings menu allows users to easily customize functions and change preferences, for example when to receive speed warnings, while the new Actions menu lets you use functions that are needed while navigating such as points of interest search and social network postings” Garmin

NAVIGON 2.0 for iPhone is available now as a free update to existing users, or as a $39.99 purchase for the North American edition [iTunes link]. In-app purchases will get up to $25 discounts until the end of the month.

Pair the FR70 with an optional Garmin foot pod, however, and it can track your speed and distance while walking, jogging or running. There’s also a speed and cadence sensor that will work on your bike, or you can use ANT+ to wirelessly connect to compatible treadmills, spin bikes, elliptical trainers and other gym equipment that want to tattle on your performance. However, there’s no GPS integration.

Meanwhile, used with Tanita’s BC-1000 body-composition platform – basically a very fancy set of scales – your  weight, body fat, body water, muscle mass, metabolic age, bone mass, visceral fat and other intimidating-sounding measurements can be collected. Those can be shared using Garmin Connect, the company’s socially-enabled online tool, so that others can coo in an impressed way or gasp at how unfit you are.

The Garmin FR70 will go on sale in November, priced at $129.99. Both men’s and women’s versions will be on offer, though that basically means you can have the FR70 in either blue or pink.

With the adapter in place, Garmin Fit can monitor heart rate and cadence using the company’s various wireless accessories; without it, the app alone can measure speed, pace, distance, time and calories burned. There’s also music playback control from within the app, as well as support for answering calls and text messages without losing track of your workout.

Once you’ve finished – or, in our case, staggered to a halt, gasping and wheezing and wishing you’d never got out of bed that morning – you can then tell the app what the weather was like and add any relevant notes, and then it gets automatically shuttled off to join your online Garmin Connect record. That allows you to track your routes, as well as compare them with those recorded from one of Garmin’s GPS watches.

Although the documents don’t reveal a whole bunch, it does suggest that Garmin is aiming to more tightly integrate its other fitness gadgets with the iPhone. The company recently launched a new sports watch called the Garmin Forerunner 910XT GPS watch as well as the Garmin Vector and Edge 200 Cycling GPS devices that target pro cyclists with advanced fitness metrics.

From the looks of the adapter, it should be compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and possibly the iPhone 4S, by attaching to the bottom of those devices. Garmin will probably have to come out with a free app to work in tandem with the adapter as well.

[via Engadget]

The watch is water resistant to 50 meters and is the first multisport watch from Garmin that offers swim metrics like distance, stroke identification, stroke count, and pool length. The watch can also compute the swimmers swolf score, which is a measurement of swim efficiency. The battery on the watch is good for 20 hours of use.

The 910XT also has a virtual Racer mode that allows the user to compare their time against other times. The watch can also be handlebar mounted on a bike. The 910XT has a vibration motor or alerts like heart rate and distance so when audible alerts can’t be heard the wearer can feel them. Garmin also included ANT+ support for connecting to wireless sensors. Pricing is unknown at this time.

Hook up the Vector to a Garmin Edge 800 or Edge 500 – using ANT+ – meanwhile, and you can also collect Normalized Power (NP), Intensity Factor (IF) and Training Stress Score (TSS) data. Unlike other products promising similar datalogging, Garmin’s is designed for easy installation: the injected carbon fiber pedals fit a standard LOOK Keo mount, while the ANT+ pod slots onto most major cranksets. Garmin claims it lets cyclists “measure where it matters” and gain more information on their riding style and performance than position and time alone.

The Edge 200, meanwhile, stores up to 130 hours of ride data and runs for 14hrs on a single charge. It’s compatible with the Garmin Connect online performance community, which can log routes and performance.

Unfortunately, “measuring where it matters” doesn’t come cheap. Garmin says the Vector will cost a not-insignificant $1,499.99 when it hits the market in March 2012. In comparison, the Garmin Edge 200 will be a snip at $149.99 when it lands in Q3 2011.

Garmin is also happy to be getting its hands on the Navigon iPhone app. Garmin made note in its announcement that the purchase was landing it one of the top-selling navigation apps on the iPhone and Android devices. It would be safe to assume that a big driver for the purchase was the navigation apps that Navigon offers.

Lots of people are going to navigation on their smartphones rather than using the traditional navigation device. The cost of the deal is unknown. Navigon expects to have a new line of wares on the market in time for the holiday season.

[via CNET]

Navigon is based in Germany and is much more popular in the European market, while Garmin is most well known in North America. The acquisition would bring Navigon under Garmin’s wing as a subsidiary and will help accelerate Garmin’s expansion in the automotive OEM navigation space.

It’s believed that the acquisition will cost Garmin roughly $72 million, although no actual numbers have been disclosed. The deal is still subject to regulatory approval and would complete at the earliest by late July.

Press Release:

Garmin® Ltd. Announces Signing of Agreement To Acquire Navigon® AG

Schaffhausen, Switzerland and Hamburg, Germany /June 14, 2011/Business Wire — Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN) and Navigon AG announced today that Garmin Ltd. and the shareholders of Navigon AG have signed an agreement for a subsidiary of Garmin to acquire privately-held navigation provider Navigon AG (“Navigon”).

“This acquisition is a great complement to Garmin’s existing automotive and mobile business. Navigon has invested significantly in the European automotive OEM business, and we feel that we can rapidly expand our automotive OEM footprint and capabilities through this transaction,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin’s president and COO. “With Navigon, we are also acquiring one of the top-selling navigation applications for the iPhone and Android platforms – something that we expect will help drive revenue for the combined company going forward. Combining Navigon’s and Garmin’s strength also improves our competitiveness and standing particularly in Europe.”

Navigon is headquartered in Germany. In addition to its automotive OEM and navigation application for smartphones, the company has an estimated seven percent share in portable navigation devices (PNDs) in Europe. In regards PNDs, Navigon’s products are known for their compelling design, performance, and innovative software features.

“We look forward to sharing expertise, technologies, and relationships between Navigon and Garmin in order to serve more customers, expand product offerings, and lead the market in hardware and software innovation,” said Egon Minar, CEO of Navigon. “Our two companies each bring complementary strengths to the table, but what we share is a passion for customer satisfaction through innovation.”

Navigon will operate as a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Financial terms of the transaction will not be released.

The system is aimed at hunters that need to keep up with a hunting dog that roams far ahead of the group looking for prey. The maximum range of the Astro 320 has been increased almost 30% compared to older models allowing the owner to track their dog up to nine miles away on flat ground. The system can track up to ten dogs at one time per receiver and is compatible with the Garmin DC 20, 30, and 40 tracking collars and accessories.

The Astro 320 handheld has a full color screen that can be read in direct sunlight. It can also be loaded with 100k or 24k Topo maps and photo realistic BirdsEye Satellite imagery for another $30. The device has a lot of maps pre-loaded and has a microSD card slot for cards with maps on them. The Astro 320 is not cheap at $499.99 and a system with one collar and the Astro 320 is $649.99. The device will launch in July.

Footage can be reviewed instantly on the PND itself, or copied over to a computer for archiving. As well as GPS position there’s speed and direction data, which could be handy if you’re in an accident. Garmin has also packed in its usual feature set, so you get text-to-speech, Bluetooth use as a handsfree kit, speed camera warnings, optional real-time traffic updates, various preloaded POIs and space for up to 100 saved routes and 1,000 user POIs.

Right now the Garmin nuvi 2565RT is only available in Taiwan, but the plan is to roll it out in Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia. If it’s a sales success there, it’ll get a US and European release. No word on pricing at this stage.

The device uses NAVTEQ maps and you can see the traffic you are getting into thanks to the coolest of all the devices features – live traffic camera feeds. The 2390 will show all the feeds along your route and if traffic is too heavy, you can reroute on the fly. In Europe, the nuLink service is included with the purchase for a year. I would assume it would be the same in the US. After that one-year period, it’s $60 for another year of service.

NuLink offers a bunch of other services too with local search, flight status details, and a currency converter. The device also learns traffic patterns in your area to help you get faster routes as you travel. The 2390 also has Bluetooth capability and lane assist with junction view. The 2390 can be pre-ordered in the UK for £229.99 and has a May 27 launch date, pricing in the US should be close.

[via GPSTracklog]

The Forerunner 610 features an easy to navigate interface with an overall design that has won it the Red Dot Design Award. The display is highly responsive, however, the interface is in grayscale to save on battery life. The watch has a Training Effects feature that shows you the impact of your fitness routines and it has a vibration motor to alert you of reaching target heart rate, pace, and distance. And of course, it tracks a whole bunch of fitness metrics.

The metrics recorded can then be used in a feature called Virtual Racer that lets you compete against yourself or against others via the Garmin Connect platform.
Exact pricing and availability for the device has not yet been announced, although they will likely be available for the Boston and London marathons.

[via BusinessWire]

Being able to record your driving could really help people out in those “he said, she said” situations when a car accident occurs. With video evidence of what happened it could really help, or hurt, your argument. The nuvi 2575R also comes with a TV tuner as well, which I guess is so that you can watch your favorite sports team while driving. That doesn’t make much sense, but I suppose that the resulting accident could at least be caught on the nuvi dash cam.

No price was given on how much the unit will cost you, or how much the extra camera will run you as well should you choose to attach it to the nuvi 2575R. This is definitely something a smartphone can’t do as your GPS directional unit, at least until some developer makes an app for it.

[via GPS Track Log]

Navtones now has a new Busey voice to go along with the Hasselhoff, Mr. T, and Flavor Flav offerings it already has. The voice will give drivers turn-by-turn directions while spouting oddities that Gary is famous for.

Quips like “do not pet the lions or the gorillas,” or “be in the silence and let the journey be in the noise” will be offered up among others. I particularly like “don’t look in to the rear-view mirror to clean your teeth, or you could rear end a log truck in Oregon and remove your teeth forever.” The voice pack has 60 different clips and you can grab it now for $6.95.

Our hands on time with the device confirmed the idea that Garmin’s presence in the GPS navigation market is still a strong one. The company’s new device is certainly responsive, and we were able to find our way through the menus quickly, and without much effort. The 3760T is compact, and lightweight as well — perfect for the holder you’ll be sticking to your windshield.

As well as casual check-ins, the GTU 10 supports up to 10 geofences (virtual boundaries) which trigger an email or text message notification when the tracker moves outside. The battery is good for up to four weeks of use, and sends out low-power alerts when it’s running short.

The Garmin GTU 10 is priced at $199.99 with a year’s worth of access, allowing for 10 points of daily track history. Standard Tracking renewals are $49.99 for a year’s subscription, or you can upgrade to 7 days of track history access for $4.99 per month.

Press Release:

Garmin® GTU 10: New GPS locator helps you track what’s important

OLATHE, Kan./January 4, 2011/Business Wire — Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today that it is entering a new market – personal and property tracking – with the introduction of its innovative GTU 10 GPS locator and web-based Garmin Tracker™ service for computers, smartphones and compatible Garmin nüLink devices. GTU 10 will be showcased in the Garmin booth (South Hall #35831) at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.

“For more than 20 years, Garmin has been the go-to name for location-based technology and our new GTU 10 broadens the scope of ways that we can help our customers in their everyday lives,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Whether you’re keeping an eye on your children after school, your pets or your property, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you can easily and affordably track the locations of the things that matter most to you.”

How It Works

Small (3”x1.3”x.8”), lightweight (1.7 oz.), waterproof and packaged with a carabiner clip and pouch, GTU 10 is easy to attach to a backpack, dog collar or anything else you want to track. Once you register your GTU 10 at my.Garmin.com, the tracking service is enabled. Tracking data is delivered across AT&T’s wireless network. When you’re on your computer, Garmin’s Tracking website helps you manage your GTU 10 and map its location. For even more convenience when you’re on the go, you can download the Garmin Tracker™ application for your mobile device to see the location of GTU 10 and how it relates to your current location. For another level of connectivity, compatible Garmin nüLink devices can automatically route to the GTU 10’s location with turn-by-turn directions.

GTU 10 owners can create up to 10 geofences (virtual boundaries) for your device so that when it enters or exits a geofenced area, Garmin can send an email or text message notification to you or authorized friends and family members. It’s also easy to view a track history of where your GTU 10 has been. And because there are numerous ways to use GTU 10, it’s easy to customize battery settings for optimal performance. The built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery can last up to four weeks between charges, and low battery/powered off notifications through the tracking service let you know when it’s time to recharge or when the device has been turned off.

Make It Yours

“While GTU 10 was being developed, countless uses evolved as different people saw different possibilities,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Our role is to provide the technology and make it intuitive and reliable, how you use it is up to you.1”

Among some of the many potential uses for GTU 10:

• Parents: Know that your child arrived at the babysitter’s house after school, or track your teenager when he/she borrows your car.
• Cyclists and runners: Let loved ones track your whereabouts, or let friends track your progress on race day.
• Property owners: Attach GTU 10 to your prized possessions, such as boats, tools, farm machinery, construction equipment, etc. – or hardwire it into your car – and keep an eye on your valuable goods from anywhere.

And the list goes on, depending on what you want to track, and how you choose to track it.

Tracking options

GTU 10’s tracking capabilities are a result of combining high-sensitivity GPS with a connection to AT&T’s nationwide wireless network. GTU 10 has a suggested retail price of $199.99, which includes one year of Standard Tracking. Providing access to 10 points of daily track history, Standard Tracking can be renewed at an annual rate of $49.99 after the first year of complimentary service. For those who want a more detailed history, the Deluxe Tracking service plan ($4.99 per month) can access 7 days of track history. Each service plan includes the option to automatically renew upon expiration, and there are no early termination fees, no activation fees and no contracts.

Since its inception in 1989, Garmin has delivered 72 million GPS enabled devices – far more than any other navigation provider. Garmin’s market breadth in the GPS industry is second to none, having developed innovative products and established a leadership position in each of the markets it serves, including automotive, aviation, marine, fitness, outdoor recreation, tracking, and wireless applications. For more about GTU 10 and Garmin’s other products and services, go to www.garmin.com, www.garmin.blogs.com and http://twitter.com/garmin.

Use of the GTU 10 is subject to applicable laws and regulations.

As you’d expect, it also supports Apple’s iOS multitasking system, so that navigation isn’t shut down even if you switch to a different app. Address Book integration allows for easier route planning, too. The new Garmin StreetPilot for iPhone app is available now, priced at $39.99.

Press Release:

Garmin® Brings Turn-by-Turn Navigation to iPhone with New StreetPilot App

Garmin rolls out new smartphone application lineup at 2011 Consumer Electronics Show

OLATHE, Kan./January 4, 2011/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced its first turn-by-turn navigation app for iPhone, StreetPilot, as well as its full lineup of new smartphone applications for both iPhone and Android. Garmin’s new mobile applications — including StreetPilot for iPhone, Garmin Tracker, myMechanic, and My-Cast Lite — will be on display in the Garmin booth (South Hall #35831) at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

“Providing consumers with mobile applications is yet another way they can experience the benefits of Garmin – be it our navigation expertise or bringing the capabilities of our niche market products to a smartphone. GPS is an extremely helpful tool, but we recognize it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. We decided to introduce a new line of smartphone applications so that we can give customers a quality Garmin experience in the format of their choosing,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales.

The StreetPilot® App: Designed specifically for iPhone, the StreetPilot App gives iPhone owners unlimited use of Garmin’s industry-leading navigation with traffic alerts. The intuitive interface greets users with two simple options: “Where to?” and “View Map.” Customers can easily look up addresses and services and get voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to their destination.
The StreetPilot App includes many of the same high-end features available on Garmin’s standalone automotive GPS devices like free traffic alerts that enable drivers to steer clear of traffic accidents, road closures and construction; lane assist with junction view that directs drivers to the preferred lane and displays realistic images of upcoming complex junctions; and speed limit indicators that display speed limits for most major roads. It is an off-board navigation system so that customers always have the advantage of the most up-to-date mapping information available.

The StreetPilot App also integrates with a driver’s iTunes music library so they can access and control their music while on the move; integrates with their address book so they can navigate directly from their contact list; and uses the multitasking ability of iOS 4 to allow them to take a phone call while the navigation continues to work in the background.

The StreetPilot App is available now for $39.99 from the App Store on iPhone or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

Garmin Tracker: Available soon for iPhone and Android, the free Garmin Tracker App works in conjunction with the Garmin GTU 10 tracking devices (also announced at CES 2011) allowing users to track the things that mean the most to them – a child, pet, boat, car and more – and see its location from the convenience of their smartphone.

myMechanic: Auto aficionados can now know their car’s specific performance metrics including horsepower, torque, G-force, and more. Available for download from the Android Marketplace beginning in February 2011, myMechanic’s information is available when paired via Bluetooth with Garmin’s ecoRoute™ HD module.

My-Cast® Lite: In addition to the lineup of My-Cast apps currently available for iPhone, a new, free My-Cast Lite application is available now for Android users which provides radar, current conditions, hourly and extended forecasts and more.

Since its inception in 1989, Garmin has delivered 72 million GPS enabled devices – far more than any other navigation provider. Garmin’s market breadth in the GPS industry is second to none, having developed innovative products and established a leadership position in each of the markets it serves, including automotive, aviation, marine, fitness, outdoor recreation, tracking, and wireless applications.

The nüvi 2460LMT and nüvi 2460LMT each have lifetime traffic subscriptions, and all four models support user-rating of POIs which can then be synchronized with other Garmin PND owners. The UI itself is also customizable, allowing you to pull commonly-accessed features to the front.

Pricing is expected to range from $249.99 to $349.99 when the nüvi 2400 Series goes on sale in Q1 2011. The LM-models also get lifetime mapping updates.

Press Release:

Garmin® Debuts nüvi® 2400 Series: Large Format Navigators With Advanced Features

OLATHE, Kan./January 4, 2011/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today the nüvi 2400 series of personal navigation devices, featuring a large five-inch display and a new range of optional features like voice-activated navigation, lifetime traffic and map updates, and advanced route planning and calculation with Garmin’s nüRoute technology. The nüvi 2400 series will be showcased in the Garmin booth (South Hall #35831) at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.

“The nüvi 2400 series offers drivers some of the most sophisticated and sought-after features available on the market today,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “The large five-inch diagonal display is easy on the eyes, and options like voice activation, traffic alerts, and enhanced route calculation make traveling across town or cross-country easier than ever. And never before have these features been available at such an economical price.”

The nüvi 2400 series is comprised of four models: the nüvi 2460LMT, nüvi 2460LT, nüvi 2450LM, and the nüvi 2450. Models featuring voice activated navigation let users control nüvi by voice, so they can keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Simply wake up nüvi with a customizable voice command and begin speaking menu options that are displayed on the screen. Bluetooth connectivity lets users make and receive phone calls when paired with a compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone. Lifetime traffic-enabled models help notify drivers of traffic delays and road construction and suggest detours around them. Units featuring lifetime map updates let users download the most up-to-date maps and points of interest up to four times a year.

All models feature nüRoute with trafficTrends™ and myTrends™ predictive routing. With trafficTrends, nüvi automatically learns traffic flow trends to improve route calculation and better predict the estimated time of arrival based on time of day and day of week. With myTrends, nüvi will, over time, begin to anticipate a route to favorite destinations as soon as the device is powered up.

The nüvi 2400 series lets consumers customize their unit in new ways as well. Users can give a one- to five-star rating to any point of interest. When the unit is connected to a myGarmin account, they can submit their ratings and receive an updated community database of ratings from other users. Owners can also customize their device’s main menu to display their most-used icons for quick navigation.

Priced from $249.99 to $349.99, the nüvi 2400 family is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2011. Visit www.garmin.com for more information and pricing.

Since its inception in 1989, Garmin has delivered 72 million GPS enabled devices – far more than any other navigation provider. Garmin’s market breadth in the GPS industry is second to none, having developed innovative products and established a leadership position in each of the markets it serves, including automotive, aviation, marine, fitness, outdoor recreation, tracking, and wireless applications.

R3 Media Network

SlashPhone
iPad 2 Launching in the “Next 100 Days”
AT&T Branding Appeared on Nokia X7 Leak Pictures
Samsung Announces Winners of Bada Developer Challenge, Winner Apps Free for a Month!

Android Community
Pre-ordering for Notion Ink’s Adam from tomorrow, December 9
Parkmobile Android app lets you pay for parking
Angry Birds Android ads make Rovio $1m per month
Motorola’s Honeycomb slate poses [Video]
HTC Knight (aka EVO Shift 4G) pictured in accessory update

SlashGear
Peel Fruit turns iPhone into show-suggesting universal remote
Notion Ink Adam pre-orders open December 9
bada Developer Challenge pays out $2.7m; 5m bada phones sold by end of 2010
IE9 anti-tracking protection measures detailed after FTC privacy pan
Verizon 3G browsing outage fixed; “technical glitch” blamed
TI OMAP4440 processor debuts: 1.5GHz dualcore, 3D 1080p and more
Barbara Kruger computerized chess set isn’t impressed by your bishop [Video]
Nokia focusing on UI dynamics for MeeGo; needs to “regain the imagination”
Speck outs DustJacket cases for iPad and Kindle 3
iPad Lock and Security Case will protect your iPad from pilferage
OnLive launches game spectating on iPad along with Windows 7 apps
Garmin creates free geocaching community called OpenCaching
PNY offers GTX 570 video card with cool game bundle
Spotify US launch in question as labels refuse licensing deals
Nica Sunrise Bluetooth headset looks like a hockey puck
Akatsuki Venus probe overshoots: next chance in 7 years
Lian Li unveils new PC-X500FX computer chassis
Samsung Gloria 10-inch Windows 7 tablet with sliding QWERTY due early 2011?
Google grabs 60,000 Cr-48 notebooks while Acer conservative on Chrome OS demand
Some Nexus S handsets will use Super Clear LCD not Super AMOLED confirms Samsung
AT&T branded Nokia X7 leaks again
iOS 4.2.1 Untethered Jailbreak gets video demo
CAPS LOCK ISN’T DEAD reassures Google on Chrome OS keyboards
Microsoft is “credible” in smartphone space claims WP7 manager; iPhone a “boulder”
BlackBerry PlayBook “best platform for the application” says Lazaridis; no QNX phones until dual-core mobile CPUs
Google Latitude for iPhone prematurely peaks into App Store
Google Chrome OS Cr-48 notebook detailed

To see more wrap-up posts, follow the following tags: [The Daily Slash] or [SlashGear Morning Wrap-up]

If geocaching is your thing, Garmin has announced the creation of a new community for sharing of caches around the country and for fans to talk about their passion for geocaching. The site is intended to let people share the “awesomeness” of a particular cache. The site also allows the users to offer details about the terrain and difficulty of finding the cache.

The site also has a how-to guide for the folks that are trying their hand at geocaching for the first time. The OpenCaching site will work with any device or software that can read GPX files no matter the maker. That means you can participate and use the site even if your device isn’t a Garmin unit.

The new device falls into the nuvi 2400 series and there are no hard facts known about the devices at this point. GPS Tracklog reckons we are looking at a few new 5-inch screen touch models that should land in time for CES in a few months.

The image here is an older 4.3-inch 2300 model, but the new versions will probably look just like this. We can probably expect to see things on the new family like live traffic and the Garmin myTrends feature as well.

The S1 is a watch that looks like any other digital with the added benefit that the S1 has precise yardages to the front, back, and middle of the green. The watch has details for over 14,000 courses loaded from the factory.

The watch updates the golfer’s position constantly and will give individual shot distances. The watch is rugged and waterproof, which is important if you are caught in the rain. It weighs 1.8 ounces and the display is backlit. Power comes from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery good for up to eight hours in GPS mode and up to three weeks in watch mode. It also automatically detects time zones and sets the time automatically.

The deal will see ASUS the only Android phones to use the apps, and will mean that the Garmin brand will be silk-screened onto handsets from the company.  Meanwhile Garmin will be free to release its apps on other platforms, with free PND downloads in the iOS App Store and BlackBerry App World tipped.

[via Android Community]

Instead, ASUS will be free to “design and manufacture new models of ASUS-branded mobile phones, some of which will include preloaded Garmin navigation and Location Based Service (LBS) applications” while Garmin will look to pushing its software navigation systems.  Tellingly, it’s aiming for distribution “ through certain consumer application stores,” and if that isn’t an iOS App Store hint then we don’t know what is.

Press Release:

Garmin and ASUS Announce New Mobile Handset Strategies

Schaffhausen, Switzerland and Taipei, Taiwan/October 26, 2010/Business Wire — Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN) and ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (TAIEX: 2357) today announced a strategic decision to alter their current co-branded business model for location-centric mobile handsets. The two companies will not introduce any new co-branded handset models going forward, but will continue to sell and support models that have already been introduced to the market. ASUS will design and manufacture new models of ASUS-branded mobile phones, some of which will include preloaded Garmin navigation and Location Based Service (LBS) applications. Garmin will expand its mobile handset application development and plans to offer navigation and other applications through certain consumer application stores.

Since the announcement of the Garmin-Asus strategic alliance in February 2009, the companies have developed and marketed six devices. These products are available through carrier and retail channels in a large number of countries. Customer support continues to be of utmost importance to Garmin and ASUS, and Garmin-Asus smartphone customers will continue to receive product support, software updates and/or downloads from either Garmin or Asus, depending upon the region.

Additional details about ASUS and Garmin’s future product roadmaps will be discussed during their independent third quarter earnings calls on October 28, 2010, and November 3, 2010, respectively.

About Garmin-Asus
Garmin-Asus is a co-branded strategic alliance that enables Garmin Ltd. and ASUSTeK Computer Inc. to combine their complementary resources to develop world class LBS-centric mobile phones.